Genesis 37:3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. 4 And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.
This passage of scripture contains another of the common mistakes often made by parents, and it has to do with the showing of preferential treatment to a favorite son or daughter, whilst the other children might be neglected. As a general rule of thumb, the indulgence of favoritism among children is a bad idea, and is usually productive of evil, as the rest of the history with Jacob and his sons clearly demonstrate.
Now, it is true, that as parents, we all like to see our children walk in good and pleasant paths, being obedient and respectful, and doing the best they can to live a godly and productive life. That's all well and good, and should be commended where it is warranted, however, we should also realize that not all children develop or learn at the same pace, therefore it is necessary that we make provision for those who may not be all that God wants them to be, at the various stages of life.
In this instance, the stage had already been set for favoritism to be shown, for the Bible tells us that Jacob did not take to Leah, as he did to her sister Rachel, because he had originally made a deal with Laban for Rachel, and he became deeply offended when Leah cooperated with her father in the deception that was practiced upon him in such an important decision as marriage.
Thus it was, that because children can sense when parents are not on the same page, that the children of Leah and the other two maidens became aware that Jacob was showering gifts and favors on Rachel's son, whilst they concluded that they were getting the short end of the stick. Therefore they looked for every opportunity to take revenge on poor Joseph, who had never really asked for such favors to be bestowed on him. Let's read:
Genesis 37:18 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near unto them, they conspired against him to slay him. 19 And they said one to another, Behold, this dreamer cometh. 20 Come now therefore, and let us slay him, and cast him into some pit, and we will say, Some evil beast hath devoured him: and we shall see what will become of his dreams. 23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; 24 And they took him, and cast him into a pit: and the pit was empty, there was no water in it.
In our day and in our own experiences with our children, we too must also be careful not to repeat the same mistakes that Jacob made, in favoring one child above the other. If we behold Christ and His character from day to day, we will receive glimpses of the way He deals with His earthly children, for the Bible tells us that God is no respecter of persons, since it is a level playing field at the foot of the cross. Furthermore, God gives extra grace where it is most needed, for those who are estranged from Him are the very ones who are in dire need of His tender, loving care, and whilst He makes ample provision for the "Elder brother" at home, yet His heart yearns for the "Prodigal son", who has wandered far away into never land.
Let us then seek to follow the example of Christ in showing love, mercy, and kindness evenly to all of our children, even to those who may give us trouble and headaches, for it is often the case, that in later years, when they come to their senses, that God touches the heart, and they make a full right about turn, and are headed straight for the kingdom. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which confirms to us the promise that God will fight to save our children, but it is His will that we manifest unbiased love, just as He does with us. Let's read:
Isaiah 49:24 Shall the prey be taken from the mighty, or the lawful captive delivered? 25 But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!